Man wanted in El Salvador in connection with bank robberies is arrested in Northern California

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Authorities in Northern California say they've arrested a man who's wanted in El Salvador for his alleged involvement with a gang that hijacked military and police arms shipments and used them to rob banks.

The U.S. Marshals Service says Gerardo Francisco Mejia Coto was taken into custody this week in Redwood City. He's being held by immigration authorities and facing deportation.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph Palmer said Friday that Coto is wanted in El Salvador on suspicion of murder and other crimes after bank robberies and armored car hijackings in which two people were killed. He is believed to be a founding member of the Tacoma Cabrera gang.

Authorities in El Salvador issued an arrest warrant for him in 2003.

It isn't clear if he has an attorney who could be reached for comment.